reviews: Bought this for use during an extended holiday. I was surprised to find that the quality and build was better than anticipated. Used it everyday for over a month, extending it, folding it, and light enough to carry it everywhere. It was very handy especially taking night photos without flash to provide a more stable support as a monopod. With some practice, one can take good self photos without having to ask other people to take them for you. Whoever thought of this is brilliant.